Plastic #2 (HDPE) Other Recycling Keep Plastic Bags Separate Many plastic bags are labeled plastic #2 or #4, but they are too thin to recycle with hard plastics and will get caught in the processing machinery. Clean Out Containers Empty plastic containers that once held food before recycling them. Containers that contain recycling contaminants like food are often separated out and sent to a landfill. Pay Attention to Proper Disposal Plastic #2 is a lightweight material that easily finds its way into the environment, where it can leach toxic chemicals. Did You Know? What Plastic #2 Can Become Plastic #2 can be recycled into new plastic jugs, plastic lumber, patio furniture, flower pots, buckets, recycling bins, benches and fencing.